How to Perform Umrah: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Learning how to perform Umrah correctly is essential for every first-time pilgrim. Understanding the proper Umrah steps before you arrive in Makkah will help you complete your pilgrimage with confidence and peace of mind. From entering the state of Ihram to completing your final Tawaf, each ritual holds deep spiritual significance and must be performed in the correct sequence.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of Umrah, from your pre-journey preparations to the final act of cutting your hair. Whether you’re weeks away from departure or already in Makkah, following these Umrah steps will ensure you fulfill your religious obligation properly while focusing on your spiritual connection. We’ve broken down each ritual with clear instructions, including what to say, what to do, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can perform Umrah just as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us.

📋 Umrah Steps at a Glance

Enter Ihram (at Miqat)
Perform Tawaf (7 circuits of Kaaba)
Pray 2 Rak’ahs & drink Zamzam
Perform Sa’i (7 laps: Safa-Marwah)
Halq/Taqsir (cut/shave hair)

⏱️ Total time: 2-4 hours depending on crowds

Pre-Journey Preparations Spiritual Intent:

Pre-Journey Preparations

Spiritual Intent: Make a sincere intention (niyyah) to perform Umrah solely for the pleasure of Allah.
Physical Purity: Before putting on the Ihram garments, it is highly recommended (Sunnah) to perform a full-body wash (Ghusl), trim nails, and remove unwanted body hair.

Ihram Garments:

Men: Wear two clean, seamless white cloths
Women: Wear any modest, loose-fitting clothes that adhere to Islamic guidelines, ensuring the face and hands remain uncovered

Salah al-Ihram: It is Sunnah to perform two rak’ahs of prayer before making the formal intention for Ihram

Entering the State of Ihram

Timing: If traveling by air, change into your Ihram clothing at home, the airport, or on the plane. Airlines often announce when you are approaching the Miqat (usually 30-45 minutes before landing in Jeddah).
Intention (Niyyah) & Talbiyah: At or just before the Miqat, make your formal intention for Umrah by saying: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah“. Immediately after, start reciting the Talbiyah frequently:

“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak“

Remain in Ihram: Stay in the state of Ihram until you complete the final step of cutting your hair. The Talbiyah should be recited often until you reach the Kaaba and begin Tawaf.

Prohibitions During Ihram Once in Ihram, specific actions are prohibited for both men and women:

Applying perfume or using scented products (including soap).
Cutting hair or nails.
Engaging in sexual activity or intimate talk.
Hunting animals.
Using foul language or arguing.
For men only: Wearing stitched clothing, covering the head, or wearing footwear that covers the central bone of the foot.

1. Performing Umrah in Makkah Upon arrival in Makkah, store your luggage at your hotel, make Wudu (ablution) if needed, and proceed to Masjid al-Haram to perform the core rituals.

Start: Enter the Masjid with your right foot and, upon first sight of the Kaaba, you can make sincere personal Duas (supplications). Proceed to the starting point near the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).
Circuits: Start the first of seven anti-clockwise circuits, keeping the Kaaba on your left.
Istilam (Salute): If you can’t kiss or touch the Black Stone due to crowds, simply point towards it and say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar“.
Raml & Idtiba (Men Only): For the first three rounds, men should walk briskly with short steps (Raml) if possible. They should also expose their right shoulder by placing the middle of the upper Ihram garment under the right armpit (Idtiba).
Recitation: There are specific Duas for between the Rukn Yamani (third corner after the Black Stone) and the Black Stone: “Rabbana Aatina fi’d-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-naar“. For the rest of the circuit, you can recite any Dua, Quran, or Dhikr in any language
Completion: You don’t say “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” when you finish the seventh round.

2. After Tawaf: Salah & Zamzam

Pray 2 Rak’ahs: Pray two units of prayer (Rak’ahs) anywhere in the mosque, but it is preferred to do so behind Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim).
Drink Zamzam: Drink from the Zamzam water which is available throughout the Haram.

3. Sa’ee (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Proceed to Safa: Walk to the hill of Safa. Upon reaching it, face the Qiblah (Kaaba), raise your hands, and make Dua, reciting specific verses and supplications three times with personal Duas in between.
Circuits: Walk towards Marwah. The distance between Safa and Marwah counts as one round. The return trip from Marwah to Safa counts as the second round.
- Men Only: Men should jog or walk briskly between the green lights.
Completion: The seventh round ends at Marwah. You do not need to be in a state of Wudu for Sa’ee, though it is recommended.

4. Halq or Taqsir (Hair Removal) This final step allows you to leave the state of Ihram and completes your Umrah.

Men: Should either shave their head completely (Halq, which is more rewarding) or trim their hair all around (Taqsir).
Women: Should gather their hair and cut a small portion, about an inch or the length of a fingertip, from the end of their hair.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended solely as a general guide for performing Umrah. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, Islamic rulings and pilgrimage procedures can vary based on scholarly interpretation and evolving local regulations in Saudi Arabia. We strongly recommend that all pilgrims consult with qualified religious scholars or official Hajj and Umrah authorities (such as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah) before performing their rituals

CONCLUSION

Completing Your Blessed Umrah Journey

Congratulations on learning the essential Umrah steps! By following this guide, you now have a clear understanding of how to perform Umrah from beginning to end. Remember, the key to a successful Umrah lies not just in performing the physical rituals correctly, but in maintaining sincerity, humility, and devotion throughout your journey.

As you prepare to perform these sacred Umrah steps in Makkah, take time to practice the duas and familiarize yourself with the sequence of rituals. Many pilgrims find it helpful to review these steps multiple times before departure and even carry a printed copy or save this page for easy reference while in the Haram. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from knowledgeable people around you—the Muslim community in Makkah is incredibly supportive of first-time pilgrims.

May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive your sins, and grant you a spiritually transformative experience. The steps you’ve learned here are your roadmap to one of the most meaningful acts of worship in Islam. Trust in Allah’s guidance, follow the Sunnah, and embrace every moment of your blessed pilgrimage.

Need more help preparing for Umrah? Check out our complete Umrah preparation guide or join our Facebook community where first-time pilgrims support each other through the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Steps

How long does it take to complete Umrah?
Completing all the Umrah steps typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on crowd levels. During Ramadan or peak seasons, it may take longer due to larger crowds at the Haram.

Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can perform Umrah on behalf of deceased relatives or someone who is physically unable to do so themselves. Make the intention for them when entering Ihram.

What if I make a mistake during the rituals?
Minor mistakes don’t invalidate your Umrah. If you’re unsure about something, consult a scholar at the Haram. For major violations of Ihram restrictions, a penalty (dam) may be required.

Do I need to memorize all the duas?
No, you can read from a book or phone. Many pilgrims carry small dua books or use apps. The sincerity of your supplication matters more than memorization.

Can women perform Umrah during menstruation?
Women cannot enter the state of Ihram or perform Tawaf or Sa’i while menstruating. You must wait until you are in a state of purity to begin the rituals.

How many times can I perform Umrah?
You can perform Umrah as many times as you wish during your stay in Makkah. Some pilgrims perform multiple Umrahs, though scholars have different opinions on the frequency.

Written by [Nadia]

Performed Hajj (2024) and Umrah (Oct 2025). Created Guide to Umrah to help fellow Muslims navigate their pilgrimage with confidence and ease.